Top 13 Best Affordable Quartz Watches [List & Guide]
What are quartz watches?
A quartz watch is essentially a watch that uses a movement that is powered by batteries. Every watch needs a movement because this is what makes it tick, but there are different types of movement available. The most common at manual-winding movements, automatic movements, and quartz movement.
The technology works in the way that a battery sends electronic signals through crystal quartz (a stone), hence the name. The quartz vibrates 32768 times per second. The circuit of the movement measures the vibrations and converts this to one pulse every second, thus resulting in the second hand ticking one time each second.
However, it’s also worth noting that digital watches are also quartz watches. These are powered by quartz movement, but rather than displaying the time with analog watch hands, they show the time on a digital LCD screen.
Practical benefits of quartz watches
Each type of watch has its own set of benefits, and therefore, different people prefer different types of watches.
Three of the main benefits of quartz watches are that they tend to be much more sturdy, robust, and durable than mechanical watches. The second is that they are far more affordable to maintain and service. Whilst mechanical movements need to be fully disassembled in service, a quartz movement usually just needs a new battery. And if it does need to be disassembled, there are very few parts.
Because quartz watches contain much fewer parts, it is much more durable and resistant to shocks, bangs, and external forces.
Lastly, quartz movements tend to be far more accurate than mechanical movements. This is great if you want a watch that keeps almost perfect time at all times.
What is an affordable quartz watch?
The term ”affordable” is always subjective.
But it’s important to note that there is a big difference between ”affordable” and cheap”. With that said, it is not about finding the cheapest quartz watch on the market, more so quartz watches that are high quality and offer a great combination of quality and price. And perhaps most importantly, is a watch that you’ll actually enjoy owning and wearing.
Generally, a quartz watch is more affordable than mechanical watches since they do not have the same manufacturing complexity. A mechanical movement contains much more parts than a quartz movement does, and is much more difficult to assemble, thus making them more expensive. But at the same time, the price range of quartz watches can vary a lot. The most affordable watches on the market will naturally be quartz and cost less than 50 USD. At the same time, there are more advanced and well-made quartz watches that cost several thousand.
In addition, what is also subjective is the term “best”. There’s never a clear-cut answer to what is the “best” since ultimately, it depends on your needs, taste, and preferences.
But in this article, we have focused on highlighting affordable quartz watches that are well-built, offer great value for money, have impressive performance, and are widely popular.
Without further ado, let’s dig into our list of some of the most popular affordable quartz watches that offer the most amount of quality for the least dollars.
Top 13 Best affordable quartz watches
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Tissot Seastar T1204171704100
Tissot is one of the most famous Swiss watchmakers in the world. Whilst they focus on making price-worthy, affordable timepieces, they are known for quality watches that are well-made and last for years.
The Seastar is a popular watch from Tissot as it has a classic dive watch design, great performance, and a sporty appeal.
The watch features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 45.50 millimeters and a thickness of 12.82 millimeters. It is presented on a black rubber strap rather than a steel bracelet, and this goes very well with the purpose of this watch. Being a dive watch, it offers a water resistance of up to 30 bar/300m/1000 feet which is on par with many other, much more expensive timepieces.
Of course, it is also powered by a quartz movement. But as if that wasn’t enough, it also features a chronograph function.
Specifications
- Diameter: 45.5mm
- Lug width: 22mm
- Thickness: 12.82mm
- Water resistance: 30 bar/300 m/1000 Feet
Tissot Seastar T1204171104100
This watch is similar to the Seastar above but equally beautiful.
It has a case size of 45.5mm, a thickness of 12.82mm, and is powered by a Swiss quartz movement. It also offers a water resistance of 30 bar/300m/1000 feet.
The difference with this watch is that it is presented on a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp, safety lock, and diver extension. It incorporates a chronograph function and also has a full blue dial as well as a blue unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute graduation scale – which a dive watch should have.
Specifications
- Diameter: 45.5mm
- Thickness: 12.82mm
- Lug width: 22mm
- Water resistance: 30 bar/300m/1000 Feet
Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V
There are few brands that are as iconic and popular as Casio. In fact, Casio is one of the most famous watch brands in the world. It is mostly known for making long-lasting affordable quartz watches, and the G-Shock collection is unarguably the most well-known.
This watch is probably one of the most sold watches of all time, and there are good reasons for that. First and foremost, it has a price of less than 100 dollars. Secondly, this is a tough watch that has proven itself able to handle virtually any harsh conditions including shocks, bangs, water, and other demanding activities.
Thanks to the quartz movement, it also incorporates lots of different functions that can be truly practical, such as a multi-function alarm, 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, hourly time signal, auto calendar, and 12- and 24-hour formats.
In addition, it is water-resistant to 200m/660 feet and has an impressive accuracy of +/-15 seconds per month.
It may not be the most stylish watch, but as a tool watch for the occasions where you need something robust and durable, this is definitely a great timepiece that will perform exceptionally well.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 200 m (660 feet)
- Diameter: 45mm
- Functions: stopwatch function measures events down to 1/100 of a second for the first 60 minutes, elapsed and split time modes, 1st-2nd place times, countdown timer, multi-function alarm, hourly time signal, 12/24-hour formats, auto Calendar
- Accuracy: ±15-second accuracy per month
Casio MDV106-1AV 200M Duro
If you want an affordable quartz Casio dive watch, this is definitely one of the best alternatives. And I’m speaking from my own experience, having owned this watch for many years.
This is a timepiece that will never break a sweat and that holds up exceptionally well.
In addition to this, it has a stylish and classic design with a surprisingly great finish considering it is priced at less than 100 USD.
This watch has a classic design that you associate divers with, including a unidirectional rotating bezel, a classic monochrome look, great legibility, as well as great water resistance (200m/660 feet).
Specifications
- Movement: Japanese quartz movement
- Water resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)
- Crystal: Mineral crystal
- Diameter: 44mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48mm
- Height: 12mm
- Weight: 92 grams case weight
Seiko SNE329 Sport Solar
This is an affordable watch that puts practicality first. It has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43mm, a stainless steel case with a Hardlex crystal on top, and is powered by a solar Japanese quartz movement. The solar movement on this watch is a rather interesting piece of technology as it means that it catches ambient and sunlight through solar panels placed behind the dial and then converts that to energy for the movement. This means that you won’t have to replace the battery when it runs out of battery, which is one of the downsides of a quartz movement.
The watch has a rather clean and elegant design that combines sportiness with versatility. It has a bezel that is designed to look like it is rotatable for a sportier appearance, but it is in fact fixed. The watch has a large dial with large white printed markers and indices.
The watch has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet.
If you want a robust and reliable quartz watch with a versatile design and great legibility, this is definitely a watch that is a great alternative.
Specifications
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 11mm
- Lug-to-lug: 51mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Power reserve: 10 months
- Movement: Seiko V158 Solar Quartz Movement
- Strap: blue nylon with leather lining
Seiko SNE361 Quartz Silver
This quartz watch offers a sophisticated and refined class, making it perfect for everyday wear as well as formal occasions. In addition, it is also powered by a quartz solar movement, meaning the battery is charged by solar and ambient light, thus removing the need for replacing the battery when it runs out of energy.
The watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43mm and a water resistance of 330 feet.
Furthermore, it has a beautiful blue dial with discreet stripes that reflect the light beautifully.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm.
- Lug width: 21.6 mm.
- Thickness: 10.7 mm.
- Water resistance: 100m.
- Movement: Seiko caliber V158.
Seiko SNE039 Stainless Steel Solar Watch
This is an extremely popular quartz watch from Seiko that has received great ratings.
First and foremost, it is very affordable with a price that is often less than 100 USD. But what you get at that price is really impressive.
It has a clean, refined, and classy appearance with a diameter of 37mm, making it smaller than most other quartz watches on the market. This makes it perfect for those who prefer smaller watches.
It uses Seiko’s Solar technology which we have already discussed, meaning it is powered by solar and ambient light, which is a very convenient and handy piece of technology.
The watch is presented on a stainless steel link bracelet with a push-button clasp. It has a water resistance of 30 meters/100 feet, which in practice just means it is resistant to water splashes. It also has a black sunburst dial which reflects the light beautifully.
With its refined and classic design, it will work just as great as a dress watch as it will for everyday wear.
Citizen AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph
If you’re looking for a robust and sporty military-inspired timepiece, this is definitely one of the best alternatives out there.
This watch is widely popular due to the exceptional value for money that it offers, not to mention its clean and stylish design.
The watch has a case size of 39mm which is rather reasonable for a military watch. The quartz movement also incorporates solar technology so it charges thanks to solar and ambient light. In addition, the movement can operate in temperatures that range from -10°C to +60°C/14°F to 140°F.
For added sportiness, it is presented on a canvas strap. The watch incorporates several different functions, including a date window, three subdials, and luminous hands.
The water resistance is 330 feet/100 meters which is ok for this type of watch considering it is not meant for deep diving.
Specifications
- Diameter: 41mm
- Case length excluding lugs: 38mm:
- Thickness: 11 millimeters.
- Lug-to-lug: 45mm
- Crystal: Mineral crystal
Citizen Eco-Drive BM7251-53L
This is a clean, stylish, and refined quartz watch from Citizen that is versatile yet equally classy.
It has a case size of 40mm and is presented on an elegant stainless steel bracelet. It also incorporates solar technology so you won’t have to worry about replacing the battery.
If you are looking for an affordable everyday quartz watch, this is one that has a clean and elegant design that is perfect for any occasion.
Specifications
- Caliber: E111, Analog Quartz Eco-Drive.
- Power Reserve: 180 days power reserve.
- Power reserve: 180 days
- Diameter: 41mm
- Thickness: 10mm
Tissot Supersport T1256171605100
This sporty chronograph from Tissot features lots of different racing-inspired features.
It has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 45.5mm and a thickness of 11.92 millimeters. A great thing about this affordable watch is that it has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which many watches in this price range do not have.
It features a chronograph function, sub-dials, and a date window at 6 o’clock. The water resistance is 10 bar/100m which makes it suitable for swimming but not diving.
This watch radiates sportiness and durability, and if that is what you are all about, then you won’t disappointed with this one.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 10 bar/100m/ 330 ft
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Thickness 11.9mm
- Diameter: 45.50mm
- Lug width: 22mm
Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s Alliance Chronograph Watch
Victorinox is another great brand of affordable yet qualitative watches that you should pay attention to. Victorinox also makes its watches in Switzerland.
This is an elegant and refined watch that combines class with sportiness. Its dial also presents lots of different interesting design elements.
In addition, it also offers surprisingly great build quality and attention to detail considering its price.
The watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 44mm, is powered by an analog quartz movement, and has a scratch-resistant triple-coated anti-reflected sapphire crystal which is relatively uncommon for watches in this price range. It is a chronograph watch that has both a day and a date indicator.
Since it is not a dive watch, it has a water resistance of 10 ATM/100m/330 feet.
If you want an everyday watch that has a perfect balance between sportiness and elegance, this is a good option. In particular, considering its quality.
Specifications
- Diameter: 44mm
- Water resistance: 100m (330ft)
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Movement: Swiss-quartz Movement
Bulova Marine star Quartz 96B256
Bulova is another brand that you should consider if you are looking for an affordable quartz watch.
This particular timepiece is a sports watch and therefore has a design that reflects that.
The watch features a 43mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 12.2mm. It is powered by a quartz movement and analog display.
It also incorporates a chronograph function as well as a date function between 4 and 5 o’clock. For sportiness, it is presented with a stainless steel bracelet.
What stands out about it is its unique and distinct case design as well as its striking blue dial with orange accents. The water resistance is 100m/330 feet.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 12.2mm
- Bezel: The inner bezel ring rotates by using the crown at 10 o’clock, similar to a standard unidirectional dive bezel
Bulova Men’s Classic Quartz 96C125
This Bulova quartz watch has a very sophisticated and elegant design and looks much more expensive than it actually is.
Whilst it has a classy and elegant design, it is unique and different, which is particularly appreciated by people who are looking for something fresh, new, and different
The highlight is of corsets mesmerizing royal blue dial with a lovely sunburst finish.
The case is made of stainless steel and has a diameter of 43mm. The thickness measures 12.2mm. The case is exceptionally well finished for the price with brushed elements contrasted by polished beveled edges.
The level of attention to detail on the dial is equally beautiful as on the case, with applied markers, beautiful beveled hands, and much more. In fact, the more you look at it, the more details you’ll discover. The watch is water-resistant to 100m/330 feet.
Specifications
- Diameter: 39mm
- Water resistance: 30m (100ft)
- Bracelet: Stainless steel with fold-Over Double Push Closure
Quartz watches buyer’s guide
When buying any type of watch, there are a number of considerations you want to keep in mind in order to find the perfect quartz watch for your needs.
Digital or analog quartz watch?
The first consideration is whether you want a digital or analog quartz watch. Both of these have their pros and cons, although they are both powered by quartz movements. For those who prefer the look of a classic watch, an analog watch will likely be the go-to choice. But if you don’t mind a more functional watch that works more like a tool and offers additional functions and features, a digital watch may be a more appropriate choice.
As an accessory and for everyday wear, an analog watch will often be the more suitable choice. But if you’re going to wear it, for example in the outdoors, when hiking, or performing other types of sport-related activities, you may find more use in a digital watch. In general, digital watches like the G-shock also tend to be much more robust and durable.
Water resistance
The importance of water resistance will depend on how you intend to use it. If you plan to go swimming or subject the watch to other harsh conditions, the water-resistance will be quite important. But if you just need a stylish everyday watch to go with a suit or a stylish outfit, you’ll likely not wear the watch close to water anyway.
Style and design
The style and design of the watch will be dependent on which occasions you intend to wear the watch. Think about how you will use it and then choose the design accordingly. For example, if you plan to wear it on formal occasions and as a dress watch, you should probably opt for a more elegant and stylish dress watch. But if you need a casual everyday watch, you should be looking for something more sporty.
Battery life
The battery life is something that can be good to take into consideration since not all quartz watches are created equal. The battery life of a quartz watch is usually between 2-5 years but it can both be more or less. Therefore, look at the specifications and battery life of the watch you are looking for so you know what to expect.
How accurate is a cheap quartz watch?
The great news is that thanks to the way quartz movements work, they are known to be very accurate. Of course, there are quartz watches that are designed and built for optimum accuracy, but the fact of the matter is that even affordable quartz movements offer really good accuracy. Often better than far more expensive mechanical watches. If you’re looking for accuracy, quartz is therefore the way to go.
Most watches rocking a quartz movement are guaranteed accurate to around 15 seconds a month which is really good. For example, if we compare an affordable Seiko automatic watch with a quartz watch in the same price range, the quartz alternative outperforms the automatic by far. The automatic Seiko snk809 has an accuracy that is rated at -20/+40 seconds per day and the quartz Seiko SNE329 is specified to just a few seconds per day at max.
Is it worth buying a quartz watch?
It all depends on what you are looking for. When it comes to wristwatches, quartz is the most common. Quartz offers excellent reliability and accuracy for, generally, affordable prices. Quartz is often looked down upon by watch enthusiasts for being “cheap” and not offering the same level of craftsmanship that mechanical watches do. But most people aren’t watch nerds and just want something functional that they can rely on. And in this case, buying a quartz watch is definitely worth it.
Overall, quartz watches are more affordable to maintain, are more accurate, and are more reliable.
What is the lifespan of a quartz watch?
In general, the lifespan of a quartz watch is much longer than the lifespan of the battery. The battery life of a quartz watch is usually 2-5 years, but if you replace the battery, a quartz watch can last for at least 10 years assuming it is not subject to excessive shocks, bangs, or other outside forces that cause premature wear to the watch. In fact, if you take good care of the watch, it can last for much longer than that – 20 to 30 years without any problems. This is particularly true for more premium quartz watches that have focused even more on the build quality. After all, to a great extent, that is what you are paying for when you buy more expensive alternatives.
When a quartz watch finally breaks or stops functioning, it is because the electronic components of the watch eventually wear out. In these cases, it is probably more affordable to buy a new quartz watch (if you have bought an affordable one) than to try to repair it.
How do I know if my watch battery is dying?
A lot of quartz watches are equipped with a so-called end-of-life indicator. When the battery is about to run out of energy, the seconds hand skips two skips to indicate that the battery is about to run out. When you see your seconds hand acting this way, you know that it is time to replace the battery.
If your watch does not have an end-of-life indicator, it is more difficult to know. In this case, you’ll know when the battery is dead when the watch stops. The issue with this is that it can be a bit frustrating when you just put on your watch and intended to use it, and then can’t because it has stopped.
How much does it cost to replace the watch battery?
Replacing your watch battery is quite affordable. To have a watchmaker replace your battery usually costs between $10 to $40 depending on your watch and where you do it. If the watch also needs to be pressure tested and guaranteed for water resistance, it will cost more than if you just need to replace the battery.
There are also more complicated quartz watches where the process to replace the battery is more tedious, and in these cases, it can cost more than that.
